03
Mar
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The Pros and Cons of Getting Your Roof Replaced In The Winter
Most homeowners look to get their roofs replaced or repaired in the fall, spring, and summer months when the weather is warm. But sometimes, getting a new roof or repairing your current one during the winter months is unavoidable. Whatever your reason, if you’re looking to get your asphalt shingle roof replaced this winter, here are some of the benefits – and drawbacks – of having it done in the winter months.
Stop Any More Damage
Chances are if you’re looking into getting your roof fixed in the winter, it’s because there’s already something that needs to be fixed before the cold and ice sets in. Getting roof repairs done as soon as possible, as best as possible, and at the best price is a must in these situations, to prevent the damage from happening or to keep it from getting worse.
Get the Best Contractors at the Best Prices
Contractors are usually the busiest during the warmer months, and it can be hard to find a good contractor at a day and time that work for both of your schedules. In the winter months, contractors are less busy, so they’ll be more able to fit you into their schedule, and you’ll be more able to fit them into yours. And because they’re in less demand, their prices are lower, ensuring you get the best price for the best contractor.
Cold Weather Equipment Drawbacks
The instruments used to install shingles don’t always play well with below-freezing temperatures. The nail gun can ice up inside if the temperatures drop below freezing, so the contractor will have to constantly monitor and adjust the nail gun to make sure that it’s driving the nails in at the correct depth.
The cold also makes shingles brittle, making them hard to handle. Self-sealing glue holding the shingles to each other and keeps them from blowing off once installed, and usually dries in the sun’s heat. The cold weather can slow or stop this process, causing your shingles to “cold curl”, or curl up at the edges, and sometimes blow away if there’s a strong wind.
To help this process along in the winter, roofers can apply roof cement underneath each shingle to hold them down. This is called “hand-sealing”, and it holds each shingle in place until it gets warmer and they can self-seal.
All these things can make the process timely, so it’s important to have a contractor that knows what they’re doing.
Make Sure You Have A Reliable Contractor
Installing roofs is a physically taxing job, and without the right working conditions in the winter, it can be downright deadly.
Roofers can’t wear heavy boots and gloves, as they need to be able to grip nails and curl their toes to keep their footing, so cold weather can be difficult and precarious. Heavy winter clothes make it harder for the roofing crew to climb up, down, and around the roof. Cold weather brings ice and snow as well, and crews have to clear this off to begin working. Slick conditions also mean that the roofing crew has to be careful and work slowly. A good contractor will keep track of the weather to make sure the conditions are suitable to keep both the roofing crew and your roof safe.
